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Intrepid Travel · Escorted cycling tour

Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail

Four-day guided bike tour on New Zealand's oldest rail trail from Queenstown to Middlemarch

Illustration of Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail

Intrepid Travel operates this four-day guided cycling tour along the Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand's oldest rail trail and voted the country's favourite ride for the past two years. The tour starts in Queenstown, the outdoor paradise set in the Southern Alps, and cycles south to Middlemarch through small gold-mining towns and open farmland. Day One takes you from Clyde past vineyards and a historic wooden trestle bridge to Alexandra and overnight in Omakau. Day Two highlights the Poolburn Gorge with its two tunnels and viaducts, then climbs to the highest point before Wedderburn. Day Three is a shorter, mostly downhill ride through Ranfurly, Otago's Art Deco capital, and across the Maniototo Plains toward snow-capped mountains. The final day is a longer 55-kilometre ride alongside the Taieri River to Middlemarch, with views of the Rock and Pillar Ranges and stops at historic structures including the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial. The pace is relaxed, with three nights in guesthouses and cottages, and the route follows flat, traffic-free paths suitable for cyclists of moderate fitness. This tour suits couples, history enthusiasts, and photographers drawn to South Island scenery and small-town hospitality.

What to know before you look closer

  • Meals other than three breakfasts are not included; lunch and dinner must be purchased at local taverns and eateries
  • Due to limited accommodation in Waipiata, the group may be split between two nearby hotels or motels
  • A single supplement is available on request for AUD 420, and accommodation in Queenstown on the final night is not included
  • E-bike upgrade is available at additional cost and subject to availability

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Omakau/Ophir

    Queenstown & Otago Rail Trail

    Trip kicks off with a pick-up at 8am. Transfer by private vehicle along the Kawarau River to Clyde (85km, approx. 1.5 hours) for bike fitting. Cycle past vineyards, over an old wooden trestle bridge and along the Clutha River Track (~13km) to Alexandra via the historic bridge. Continue through Galloway Station, Chatto Creek, up Tiger Hill then downhill to overnight accommodation in Omakau/Ophir. Optional dinner and locally-brewed Dark Horse beer or cider at the Commercial Hotel. Today's riding distance: approximately 37km/23 miles, mostly flat.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Wedderburn

    Otago Rail Trail - Omakau to Wedderburn

    Highlight is the beautiful Poolburn Gorge section featuring two tunnels and two viaducts. Ride through Ida Valley farmlands past Idaburn Dam (one of NZ's few outdoor curling sites) and visit Hayes Historic Engineering Works. Stop at Oturehua Tavern for lunch. Continue north to the Golden Progress Mine and up to the highest point of the trail before stopping at Wedderburn. Evening meal at Wedderburn Tavern (not included). Today's riding distance: approximately 42km/26 miles, mostly flat.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Waipiata

    Otago Rail Trail - Wedderburn to Waipiata

    Short day of just 23km, mostly downhill from Wedderburn to Ranfurly, Otago's Art Deco capital. Enjoy morning tea and explore the town, then cross the Maniototo Plains, Lord of the Rings territory with flat plains giving way to snow-capped mountains. Today's riding distance: approximately 21km/13 miles, mostly downhill. Note: due to limited accommodation in Waipiata, group may be split between 2 nearby hotel/motels; some rooms may have shared facilities.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4rail

    Otago Rail Trail - Waipiata to Middlemarch/Queenstown

    Cycle approximately 55km with stunning views of the Rock and Pillar Ranges. Ride alongside the Taieri River, cross the historic Capburn Bridge and Price's Creek Viaduct, pass through tunnels including the famous Daisybank tunnel, and pause at the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial (commemorating the fatal 1943 derailment). Morning snack en route. Arrive in Middlemarch for lunch at local eateries or Maggies Ice Cream shop. Transfer by vehicle (approx. 3 hours) back to Queenstown, arriving approx. 6pm. Transfer departs Middlemarch at 2pm. Today's riding distance: approximately 53km/33 miles, mostly flat/downhill.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Cycle 13 kilometres from Clyde through vineyards and over an old wooden trestle bridge along the Clutha River to Alexandra
  • Day 2Ride through the Poolburn Gorge section featuring two tunnels and two viaducts, then visit Hayes Historic Engineering Works
  • Day 3Cross the Maniototo Plains past Ranfurly, Otago's Art Deco capital, with views of snow-capped mountains
  • Day 4Cycle 55 kilometres alongside the Taieri River, cross historic viaducts, pass through the Daisybank tunnel, and visit the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial

Included

  • Guided bike ride - Otago Rail Trail (4 days)
  • Otago Central Rail Trail bike hire
  • Transfer to Queenstown (Middlemarch to Queenstown by vehicle)
  • 3 breakfasts
  • Hotel/Guesthouse/Cottage accommodation (3 nights)
  • Luggage transport between accommodations each day

Not included

  • Meals other than 3 breakfasts
  • Optional activities
  • E-bike upgrade (available at additional cost, subject to availability)
  • Single supplement (available on request, from AUD $420)
  • Accommodation in Queenstown on final night
  • Excess baggage fees (if over 15kg limit)

Questions travellers ask

What trains are used on this trip?
This is a cycling tour, not a train tour. It follows the Otago Central Rail Trail, a bike path built on a former railway route, but involves no train travel. Transport between Queenstown and the trail start is by minivan.
Is the tour guided or independent?
Intrepid Travel runs this as an escorted cycling tour. An experienced guide leads the group and shares perspective on the region.
How many kilometres do I cycle each day?
Day 1 is approximately 13 kilometres, Day 2 varies but includes the Poolburn Gorge highlight, Day 3 is 21 to 23 kilometres mostly downhill, and Day 4 is approximately 55 kilometres.
What accommodation do I get?
Three nights in guesthouses, cottages, and hotel or motels in Omakau/Ophir, Wedderburn, and Waipiata. Due to limited rooms in Waipiata, the group may split between two nearby properties.
When does Intrepid Travel run this tour?
The tour runs in September, October, November, December, January, February, March, and April. Starting prices range from AUD 1,384 to AUD 1,815.
What is included in the price?
The package includes bike hire, three nights' accommodation, three breakfasts, luggage transport between hotels each day, and the guided bike ride. Lunch, dinner, and activities are not included. Return transfer from Middlemarch to Queenstown is included.

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